English Reference

Phrasal verb

steal away

Definition

phrasal verb. to leave a place quietly and secretly so that nobody notices you.

phrasal verb. to depart in a secretive or stealthy manner, often to avoid detection or social obligation. The verb is intransitive in this sense, though it can occasionally take a reflexive object in literary contexts.

Examples

“We decided to steal away before the party ended.”

“As the sun began to set, she managed to steal away from the meeting to enjoy a moment of peace.”

“Under the cover of a moonless night, the scouts managed to steal away from the enemy camp without alerting the guards.”

Examples

simple

“We decided to steal away before the party ended.”

contextual

“As the sun began to set, she managed to steal away from the meeting to enjoy a moment of peace.”

complex

“Under the cover of a moonless night, the scouts managed to steal away from the enemy camp without alerting the guards.”

Usage

often used with 'from' to indicate the place or group being left behind.

Teaching tip

this phrase carries a more poetic or literary tone than 'slip away' or 'sneak out'; it often implies a desire for privacy or escape rather than just being sneaky.

Phrasal verb

Particles

away

Separability

inseparable

Pattern

steal + away

Synonyms

slip awaysneak outcreep awaydepart quietly

Antonyms

arrivestayremain

Grammar

Phrasal verbs (introduction)

This entry

Exam level
CambridgeCambridgeCambridge English QualificationsThe exam suite from Cambridge University Press & Assessment, from A1 Movers up to C2 Proficiency. The benchmark names double as CEFR labels.C1 AdvancedIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.7.0–8.0TOEFL iBTTOEFL iBTTest of English as a Foreign Language, Internet-Based TestETS's academic English test, the standard route for US university admissions. Scored 0–120, with a 1–6 scale since 2026.1–6 scale: 5.0–5.595–113TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.945–990
Level
C1 · Advanced
Updated

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